Hydraulic Jack Plate question

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by rzone on November 28, 2009 at 10:54pm

I use a 10" Bob's on my boat, I like it. When running I usually set it to the exact same spot (where it runs best).

When I trailer the boat, I bump it up an inch or two.

My boat came with it, but I am not sure I would pay the extra on a new boat or do a retro-fit on a boat. The 10" setback is nice, but I think a guy could find the right height via trial and error, then lock it in and never mess with it. Less stuff to fail, or come loose with a non-hydraulic.

Permalink Reply by Shawn O'Connell on November 29, 2009 at 8:53am

I am also considering having nixon's put one on this winter. Would be interested in what you big boys think.

Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on November 29, 2009 at 11:04pm

They are worth their weight in gold if you fish a lot of shallow water in which you need to raise the motor height; or if you absolutely have to squeeze every mph you can out of your rig. If you mainly fish open water then the hydraulic is an unnecessary luxury. At least that is my feeling.

ciao,
Marc
Shawn O'Connell said:

I am also considering having nixon's put one on this winter. Would be interested in what you big boys think.

Permalink Reply by Mike Matkowski on November 30, 2009 at 9:41pm

Ditto on Marc's comments. I have one on my 2007 Champion. I could go without squeezing the extra MPHs and I haven't ever messed with props for that. They are nice for making adjustments to improve hole shot, especially when the water is really shallow or at higher elevation lakes in the summer months, quick adjustments help performance. I think my hydraulic jackplate has 10"setback and 5" vertical travel and I am pretty sure I have more paint on my skeg and no dings on my prop because I can raise it as high as possible when traversing extremely shallow water. It is really nice for fishing Potholes and Columbia, especially the Hanford Reach. You can't operate your engine for real long periods without the engine heating and alarming. A water pressure gauge also helps to monitor your engine. They also allow you to make immediate adjustments to control porpoising when slower cruising is desired and when you are slowly navigating weedy shallows.

Permalink Reply by Russ Baker on November 30, 2009 at 9:49pm

I appreciate the responses. Just was wondering if I wanted on my next boat. Have not used one in the past. I see the pro's for using on the holes, the river, or at shallow lakes like Silver.

Permalink Reply by Jake Boomer on December 1, 2009 at 8:39am

On bigger heavier boats, the only real advantanges I see are shallow and rough water. The biggest difference was rough water. The boat was day and night better in boardman's huge waves with the motor pushed all the way down. It stayed hooked up and allowed more bow control. My next boat will have one for that reason alone.

Permalink Reply by Eric DeLay on December 1, 2009 at 9:12am

I have one and I love it.

I like to stuff the motor all the way into the water for the hole shot then I raise the motor at WOT to increase stability. If I want a little more speed I lower it and if it starts chine walking I raise it again.

If you are rigging a new boat I highly recommend getting one.

Permalink Reply by Russ Baker on December 1, 2009 at 9:54am

Thanks guys,

I will order my boat with a Hydraulic plate and a pro pole.